REIGNING UAAP champs UST Paddlers learned a hard lesson after a head-on collision with seasoned smashers in the First Chief Philippine National Police Cup last April 4-6 at the Mr. Big Shot table courts in Gen. Santos City.
UST’s ace players Michael Paña, Glen Rodriguez, and Reyjea Rosales, finished eighth out of 20 participating teams in the three-day tournament, after losing 0-3 to Cebu-based Huaching Foundation led by UST alums and Philippine team members Harold Baring and Celjun Ortalla in the quarterfinals.
“We could have made it to the finals if we did not draw Huaching in the knock-out match,” Paña lamented. “They were a tough team to beat because their players were from the national team.”
Earlier, UST surrendered, 0-3, to the Camp Crame team composed of Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Richard Gonzales, UST Paddlers coach Henberd Ortalla, and Rodel Valle.
Despite playing for an opposing team, Ortalla said he was proud of his wards as UST breezed past the Marawi-based Mindanao State University and the Notre Dame of Dadiangas in Gen. Santos City in straight sets during the eliminations.
Camp Crame took the title, with Huaching and the Crown Paddle placing second and third.
“This tournament was definitely a good exposure for them since it was a national event,” Ortalla said. “It helped them build confidence and gain experience.” Maria Jesamine dG. Palarca
